Monday, July 17, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
|
Mother,
two kids die of poisoning (KUMBHRA) SAS NAGAR July 16 — A 28-year-old married woman died of
poisoning under mysterious circumstances here last evening and the
body was consigned to flames by her family members without informing
the police. The case came to the notice of the police after her last rites had been performed. The two children of the deceased, Ranjit (6) alias Jaiti and Harjit Kaur (4) who were also allegedly given poison, died at the PGI, Chandigarh, in the wee hours this morning. The husband of the deceased, Mr Balwant Singh, was not at home when the tragedy happened. He had left for Dubai in search of employment two months ago. According to the police, the deceased consumed the poison at around 12.30 pm and died immediately, but the children were taken to the Sector 32 Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) by the sister of the deceased, Ms Kulwinder Kaur. The children were referred to the PGI after their condition deteriorated. It could, however, not be ascertained how the children consumed the poison. What raised many a eyebrow is the manner in which the body of the woman was consigned to flames by her family members. The father of the deceased, Mr Amarjit Singh, a resident of Seona village in Patiala district, said, “She was married to Balwant eight years ago. She was getting treatment for her heart ailment from Rajendra Hospital, Patiala”. He said she appeared to be under stress due to her ailment, but never complained. On being asked if her last rites were performed in a hurry, he said, “We do not have any suspicion on anybody, so we disposed of the body”. Though the police claimed they had no doubt on anybody, as per the practice, any such incident had to be reported to the police by the village sarpanch or the chowkidar. The family members were called to the Phase 8 Police Station by the investigating officer, ASI Satnam Singh. On the basis of its findings, a case under Sections 307, 309 and 302 of the IPC has been registered against the deceased. Investigations by TNS revealed that the sister of the deceased, Ms Kulwinder Kaur, was also married in the same village. The cause of the woman ending her life and of her children could not be ascertained. The police claimed that her ailment was the reason. Meanwhile, the bodies of the children were handed over to the husband of the woman, who reached today. |
CMC ‘moves’ patient made paralytic by PGI CHANDIGARH Parmod (23) was being examined at the PGI since September last year with complaints of cervical vertebral dislocation (slip of the vertebrae). According to his father, he was admitted to the institute on December 31 when he collapsed at his native village Gidderbal in Una district of Himachal. The father said even as they continued to make rounds of the PGI, he was reportedly put on heavy traction through the skull while on treatment. The disease was reportedly not properly diagnosed, with the result that he developed quadriplegia (total loss of the power of both arms and legs) while on traction. Mr Sohan Lal, his relative, alleged that the PGI authorities discharged Parmod, advising him that either he would be cured on his own or he should be taken to the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Postgraduate Sciences, Lucknow, for treatment. In the meantime, the condition of the patient went from bad to worse and he developed back sores and there was not a flicker of movement in any of his limbs. The dejected relatives then brought him to the CMC on July 5. The operation was performed on July 7 and within 12 to 16 hours, movements of all limbs were noticed. Dr Vikas Mehra, Consultant, Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery, who performed the over three-hour successful operation, told The Tribune today that in about one month, the patient would be on his feet and lead a normal life. Had the operation been delayed, the life of the patient would have been in danger, he added. Explaining the reason for the almost nil movement of the limbs, Dr Mehra informed that this was the case of tuberculosis of the cervical spine. It was not properly diagnosed at the PGI. The surgery called for operative decompression and stabilisation of the cervical vertebrae, Dr Mehra said. Meanwhile, speaking from his bed at the CMC, an elated Parmod said his condition was much better and now he could move his limbs. |
Another fraud case against Punwire officials SAS NAGAR July 16 — Yet another case of financial irregularities in Punwire has been registered by the police. According to information available, Mr R.K. Gupta, Manager (Accounts), Mr A.P. Singh, DGM (F and A), Mr Ashok Jerath, AGM (Accounts), and late P.C. Sharma, a cashier, allegedly embezzled Rs 25 lakh from the company's account. A case under Sections 406, 408, 409, 471 and 120-B of the IPC has been registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by Mr P.S. Mundra, Associate Vice-President, with the company. It may be pertinent to mention that last month the police had registered two separate first information reports (FIRs) against the same persons for allegedly embezzling funds of the company to the tune of Rs 83 lakh. The amount had been embezzled by making fake entries while transferring the money to Punwire Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL), a subsidiary of the company. The case had come to light when the newly appointed General Manager (Finance and Accounts), Mr Devinder Singh, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr N.P. Singh, sought confirmation from the PMCL whether the amount shown to have been transferred to it had actually been done. In the other case bungling in the accounts of the company had been made by producing fake bills of freight allegedly issued by the Mohali LCV Transport Union. At least Rs 6.41 lakh had been drawn against four fake bills. |
Labourer dies, doctor
booked KHARAR July 16 — A migrant labourer Ganesh Kumar allegedly died because of negligence on the part of a doctor practising in Manakpur Sharif village of Kharar tehsil. The Kurali police has registered a case against the doctor. According to an FIR lodged with the Kurali police one migrant labourer Ganesh Kumar had some stomach problem and he was taken to a siana in the village. After that, he was taken to the doctor, Gurmakh Singh. According to the FIR, the doctor administered two injections and gave him some medicines, but the patient died on the spot within 15 minutes at about 8.30 am yesterday. According to the FIR, they were forced by the accused to cremate the body immediately and the body was taken to Palanpur village and was cremated. Someone from the village informed the police about this and Mr Rupinder Singh, DSP Kharar, rushed to the spot to hold preliminary enquiry. He ordered that the ashes should be taken into possession, which would be sent for chemical examination. The Kurali police has registered a case under Sections 304-A and 201 of the IPC against Dr Gurmakh Singh, also the sarpanch of the village. |
Should driving licence age be lowered to 16 ? SIMRIT JAGDEV: Driving is all about one’s skill, efficiency and caution in handling a vehicle and not something that has to be groomed and tested on the basis of one’s age? For that matter, how many senior citizens in Chandigarh are aware of the traffic rules? If a driving license is issued to any
individual it should be of no concern whether it is for a 50cc or a 100cc vehicle. Why are we getting into the engineering of the vehicle when we drive on the basis of our skills and not on the basis of the weight of the vehicle. At the age of 16 if Sachin Tendulkar can qualify to enter in Indian cricket team where he faces a ball coming at a speed of 200km/hr, can’t our students drive a two wheeler. We are talking not of the VIP brats who come to school in their CHOI-G numbered cars, advertising their father’s money, but about the common youth who has to go to school, attend coaching classes and other activities. Rather than wasting two hours in travelling every student would prefer to utilise his time in studying. And any parent would compromise on breaking the laws where the comfort and success of their child’s academics and careers are concerned. 80% of the mishaps and accidents in town involve the middle and the older generation, the young being more alert, careful and efficient in driving. The government is also fully aware that it is the govt. employees who issue fake licenses. So why not issue legal licenses at the age of 16 where the students are benefited and can drive legally. No matter what age limit is set the students will continue to drive. So why not issue legal licenses at the age of 16 where the students are benefited and can drive legally. No matter what age limit is set the students will continue to drive. So why
not privilege the ones why actually are in need of this liberalisation. Dr (Mrs) RAVI SHARMA: Eligibility for a driving licence at the tender age of 16-18 years should be done away with completely. The thrill of overspeeding is bound to be there in an independent, overconfident and immature 16-18 year old. Hence, accidental injuries are also on the rise. Bad roads, no traffic, sense, peer pressure and rejection of helmets add to the problem. Unfortunately, parents have little patience, and not time, thus giving in to the demand for a vehicle by their youngsters, but at what cost? As a physician and a parent, I feel concerned for the precious lives of these children. Above all, I strictly feel that a driver’s license should be issued only at 18 years or above. A helpful attitude from the family and teachers can surely bring around our children to reasoning. Shvetta Goyal: By the time a child becomes 16, he has many responsibilities on him. He is not able to deal with all these responsibilities as there are numerous problems in his life. As time is the essence we need to do our work quickly for which a driving licence is a necessity. Public transportation like buses, taxis or rickshaws waste a lot of time. Driving makes one independent and confident. They are all well aware of the road sense or the rules and regulations. Boys and girls going to school or tuition or in the evening are found between 16 and 18 years. We walk on the foreign tracks in every field then why we are lacking in this matter. Is it that the children in the USA are more careful than in India. Moreover, accidents here occur not because of the drivers but the reason is stray animals and pedestrians. Why can’t this law be changed when others are changed many a time. The illegal can be made legal by just changing few words. So keeping in view all these suggest that the driving licence age must be lowered to 16 years. Salil Aggarwal: We the youngsters should not be issued driving licences unless we are 18 years of age as we are not grown up enough to handle or control scooters, motor cycles or cars. Most of us drive fast which sometimes results in fatal accidents. The licences given to teenagers above 16 years of age for driving mopeds up to 50 cc is fine and should continue. The teenagers do not have the full knowledge about the technicalities of the machines and the traffic rules which could also lead to accidents. The parents should also not encourage their children to take their vehicles to schools and colleges before 18 years of age. They do not want to wear helmets which is the main reason for head injuries in accidents. So, I would say that the driving licence age should not be lowered to 16 years. |
250 NCC cadets to visit Kargil CHANDIGARH July 16 — The first special National Integration Camp of National Cadet Corps (NCC) got underway here today, in which, more than 250 cadets of all states and union territories are taking part.The camp is the first of the four such events and the other three are to be held at Leh, Srinagar, Bomdi La and Aizawl. It is the brainchild of the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes. The clearance for it was given at the recent NCC Directors General Conference in New Delhi. The DM had said such camps would not only foster the spirit of national integration, but also improve the awareness of cadets about Operation Vijay and the role of the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Col Deepak Sharma, local Group Commander, said in the 12-day camp, the cadets would tour places around Leh, besides visiting Kargil and the other scenes of battle in Operation Vijay. The cadets will be flown to Leh tomorrow. Senior Under Officer Amdani Afzal of Maharashtra said he was looking forward to see the peaks where Pakistanis were pushed back by our soldiers. He is a petrochemical engineering student who wants to join the Army. Cadet J. Rajesh of Tamil Nadu said he was happy to be a part of this camp and had learnt Hindi especially to interact with the other cadets and people of this region. "Although I miss home food, but I will cope with everything to be a part of this group," he said. His friend Shree Vaikunth also has the same opinion. Cadet Badreshwar Baro of Assam wants to join the Army and is working towards getting the 'C' certificate of the NCC. "The people here are kind and there is no difference between the climate here and back home. I look forward to see the peaks which I have only witnessed on television." Cadet Lambert Godinho of Goa said, "I love travelling and this is like a dream come true. I have attended many camps, but this is the first time when I will be on a service aircraft and get to see the conditions in which our soldiers perform their duty." Lieut-Col Praveen Kumar, CO of the Second Chandigarh Battalion, said the cadets would be back in city on July 28. |
VIPs encroach on govt land CHANDIGARH A car shed/hut has been constructed in the parking area between house nos 912 and 913 much to the inconvenience of the general public. One of the residents highlighted that as per the layout plan of the Town Planning Department, there was a back space of 10 feet between the house nos 904 and 905. The total length of the backlane was about 120 feet. The backlane had been encroached upon by certain allottees, thus blocking the 10 feet wide backlane. |
450 Nirankaris donate blood PANCHKULA A 24-member medical team headed by Dr Sudershan Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Transfusion Medicine, provided the blood-collection services. The camp was inaugurated by the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Punjab, Mr Naranjan Singh. Describing blood donation as a natural material for cementing human unity, he appealed to the devotees and volunteers to offer blood for emergency cases at government hospitals. The President of the mandal, Mr Kuldip Singh, said blood donation and the welfare of weaker sections of the people formed the priority of all social activities of the branch. The head of the Women's Section of the Panchkula branch of the mandal, Ms Surinder Kaur, said a large came forward to donate blood at the annual camp. They were medically examined and anaemic patients were given free medicines and health education. Earlier, a pamphlet titled, "Engineering the Strength of Weaker Sections'' was released by the chief guest. This contains the goal of the mandal and various camps organised by the devotees on previous occasions. |
Computer centre opened PANCHKULA
The chief guest, Dr K.S. Arya, former Principal of DAV College, Chandigarh, inaugurated the centre, He said the opening of new computer centres adopting the latest in technology was the need of the hour. He said the time was not far when people would shop with the help of the computer and there would no be need to go out at all. "The satisfaction of the consumer has become prime and the companies are trying to create products to suit everybody's needs. Similarly, the computer centres need to be equipped with the programmes and capsules which cater to all age groups,'' he added. The spokesperson of the company informed that 15 machines had been installed at the centre where education would be imparted in two batches of 14 students each with the duration of the course being six months. He said that this was the first computer centre of the company. The company would also open two centres in Chandigarh and one each in Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. |
Sai devotees celebrate Guru
Purnima CHANDIGARH
According to Mr Vijay Kumar, President of the Shirdi Sai Samaj Committee, the devotees thronged the temple at 6 am and performed mangal snan on Sai Baba. At 6:30 am, the path of Sri Sai Satcharitra began, which was followed by bhajans and discourse. Some devotees came from Delhi and Saharanpur to sing
bhajans. In the evening, langar was distributed among the devotees. |
Minister to open
computer service SAS NAGAR |
150
three-wheelers challaned CHANDIGARH
The DSP traffic, Mr SS Randhawa, said the drivers of these vehicles were violating rules, the meters were not in order, these were plying with incomplete papers, were overloaded and were without pollution certificates. Chain-snatchers held Three chain-snatchers, residents of Duggar village — Shindo, Gejo and Roopo — were arrested from the Mani Majra bus stand. The accused were attempting to snatch the chain of Ms Surjit Kaur, a resident of Sector 38, who cried for help. A head constable, Varinder Singh, and constable Dilbagh Singh, standing nearby, nabbed them and seized the chain. SAS NAGAR
Theft Capt Sital Singh (retd), a resident of Phase X, has complained to the police that burglars broke into his house on the night of July 14 and decamped with household items worth Rs 7,000. |
She is heading a massive banking unit at 35 CHANDIGARH Uma, who is perhaps the youngest woman banker in the country to have touched great heights in her career, was in town to review the quarterly performance of ten branches of the bank in Punjab and also to preside over quarterly branch heads conference at Timber Trail. She is currently based at Mumbai. The Tribune talked to her about all major aspects of her life — from her stint as an IFS officer, her decision to quit IFS when she could not get into IAS — to her subsequent halt at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore where she took a degree of MBA in Finance and Marketing. “Life has been very uncertain at my end, but I have always been confident of my strengths. That is the reason when I did not get to take up the IAS due to some technical snag, I quit my services as an IFS and then got into management,” said Uma. After passing out from IIM, Bangalore, she already had about three offers in hand, but she chose to work with ANZ Grindlays where she was put on different assignments. She trained in various fields of banking before she left Grindlays Bank after a long association of 12 years. “HDFC was fast emerging as the bank of the future. I joined this bank because here the canvass was wider and the challenge graver. I am looking after the entire retail branch banking. My objective in the long run is to make HDFC a one shop stop for the customer.” During the discussion this morning, Uma was precisely focused on expansion plans of HDFC in Punjab which was being viewed as a potential market for the future. “The bank is steadily making progress and growth here has been very encouraging. We have registered a 20 per cent growth for one quarter. We are due to expand our branches in four more cities of Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala, Nakodar and Khanna.” She informed that HDFC had a lot on the anvil for tapping the potential of Punjab. “By the end of this month, integrated response phone banking will be introduced, which would be in addition to the mobile banking which has already been launched.” On this visit Ms Uma also finalised sites for introduction of debit cards in Punjab. She said, “We want to provide the services where they are needed. Also we are very shortly coming up with consumer loans, both auto and personal, apart from re-looking at our offsite ATM strategy.” Uma also called on the Finance Minister on her first visit to the region which she said would be more frequent in the future. She added that a powerful package was on the way for the customers of this region who would shortly have the best investment and also advisory services. |
Slight increase
in vegetable rates CHANDIGARH Perhaps the highest priced was ginger which was being sold at Rs 50 to Rs 55 per kg at Azad Market in Sector 20. While the price of peas varied from Rs 25 to Rs 30, that of onion hovered around Rs 7-8 depending upon the quality, according to a random survey of the retail vegetable markets today. The price of tomato slightly came down with a kg selling at Rs 18 to Rs 20. Similarly, potato was priced between Rs 3 to Rs 5 (desi variety) and Rs 7 to Rs 8 (pahari variety). The price of cauliflower was quoted at Rs 9 to Rs 12 per kg and that of cabbage from Rs 14 to Rs 16. The price of brinjal ranged from Rs 18 to Rs 20. On the other hand, cucumber was priced at Rs 12 a kg. The price of lemon, however, came down. Priced at over Rs 40 per kg last month, it was quoted at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg in different markets. While the prices of capsicum ranged between Rs 30 and Rs 35 a kg, that of bitter gourd was Rs 12-14 per kg. |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 120 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |